2026 Talent Report

YOUNG WORKERS & DIVERSE POPULATIONS

In 2025, Greater Grand Rapids had a higher concentration of young workers (19 to 24 years old) than both Michigan and the United States in the following industries:

• Administrative and Support and Waste Management and • Construction • Health Care and Social Assistance Remediation Services

• Information • Management of Companies and Enterprises • Manufacturing • Mining • Quarrying

• Oil and Gas Extraction • Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services • Transportation and

Warehousing, and Wholesale Trade

The concentration of diverse populations in Greater Grand Rapids lags state and national figures but grew faster (39.3%) from 2005 to 2025 compared to Michigan (23.2%) and the U.S. (29.9%). 69% OF TOTAL POPULATION GROWTH DRIVEN BY DIVERSE POPULATIONS IN GREATER GRAND RAPIDS FROM 2005 TO 2025.

Diverse Population Distribution in GGR

42% INCREASE

21% INCREASE

66% INCREASE

Source: Lightcast

Share of Population Growth Driven by Diverse Populations

Since 2015, diverse populations have driven more than half of Greater Grand Rapids' population growth. From 2021 to 2022, when non-diverse populations declined, diverse populations accounted for all regional growth.

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Source: Lightcast

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